Hose roller



y 1962 J. E. EMMERT ETAL 3,034,768

HOSE ROLLER Filed Jan. 6, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet l 3mm 6,9 IO,

l NVENTORS AND y 1962 J. E. EMMERT ETAL 3,034,768

HOSE ROLLER Filed Jan. 6, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 32 .3 I la v 3 5 l IZ I5 I IIg ENTORS Byfl J. E. EMMERT ETAL May 15, 19.62

HOSE ROLLER 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 6, 1961 y 15, 1962 J. E. EMMERT ETAL 3,034,768

HOSE ROLLER Filed Jan. 6, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOQS AND , asserts Patented May 15, 192

This invention relates to a roller or guide for flexible hose and like elongated members. More particularly it relates to a roller or guide to be used in conjunction with such an elongated member whereby the latter may be easily pulled around corners or other obstructions which are normally difficult to traverse by merely pulling on the free end of the elongated member.

Heretofore various devices have been proposed in an attempt to alleviate the difficulties encountered when a hose or similar elongated member is pulled around such obstructions. In general, these devices have included a plurality of rollers or wheels mounted in a circular frame through which the elongated member passes. While such devices have met with a certain degree of success, they have not been entirely satisfactory. As for example, the devices of the prior art have been relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain. In addition, the degree or sharpness of the turn that can be imparted to the elongated member when using these devices is rather limited. Furthermore when a corrugated hose is used considerable friction is encountered which means a large amount of force is required to move the hose resulting in excessive wear to the hose.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide a hose guide or roller that will obviate the disadvantages of the prior art devices of this character.

t is another object of our invention to provide a hose guide that is light in weight.

It is another object of this invention to provide a hose guide that is portable and is provided with means, whereby the same can be temporarily attached to portions of a building structure or the like. I

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

To to accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of theinvention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the clamp'construction in accordance to one aspect of the invention,.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the clamp illustrated in FIGURE. 1,

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the clamp looking from the right of FIGURE 2,

FIGURE4 is a side elevation of a clamp constructed in accordance to another aspect of our invention,

FIGURE Sis a perspective view in elevation partly in section of the roller rings and rollers constructed in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view in elevation partly in section of the roller rings and rollers attached to the clamping device.

Broadly stated, our invention appertains to a hose guide in which two rings so mounted that the planes thereof are parallel are used as bearings for the wheels or rollers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the device is equipped with a quick acting clamping means which may be locked in the closed position and easily unlocked when so desired.

Referring to the drawings and to FIGURES 1 to 4 in particular the base 1 of the clamp is elongated and is provided at one end with a fixed upright or jaw in to which the jaw teeth 6 are secured *by means of the bolts 8 and 9. It is to be understood, of course, that other types of teeth and other means may be used for securing the same to the upright 1a in addition to bolts. A fixed standard consisting of the bolt 15 mounted in base 1 at the other end thereof secures the operating handle 5. Between the fixed jaw la and the fixed standard is mounted movable jaw 2 which is hingedly attached to base 1 by means of the hingeor pivot in the form of a bolt or pin 12. law teeth 7 are secured to movable jaw 2 by means of bolts 10 and 11. Links 3 and 4 are pivoted to arm 5b of the operating handle 5 at one end thereof by the pivot or bolt 14 and at the other end are pivoted to the movable jaw 2 by the pivot or bolt 13. As illustrated operating handle 5 comprises a long arm portion 5a and a short arm portion 511 which is fulcrumed to the fixed standard at the junction of the two arms by means of the pivot or bolt 15. An upward movement of arm 5a causes movable jaw 2 to move toward the fixed jaw 1a and a downward movementof arm 5a causes movable jaw 2 to move away from fixed jaw 1a.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art an upward movement of handle 5a will cause the clamp to I lock when as a result of the upward movement the center 2 between the jaws of the clamp will be securely held until released. In other words if the clamp is so attached to a solid member such as a rafter or joist the device (hose guide or roller) will be securely held thereto until released. The lock is released and the clamp opened when a downward force is exerted upon arm 5a. This downward movement is stopped when arm 5a is all the way down and links 3 and 4 are in contact with base .1. The clamp will then be fully open. Referring now to FIGURES 5 and 6 numerals 2.5 and 26 designate two rod-like structures of suitable material which are shaped so as to provide two circular rings the ends of which meet or almost meet. Suitable materials for the construction of these circular rings as well as that for the clamp include metals such as steel, brass or other alloys or metals of adequate strength. Under some conditions we may construct these rings of a strong, tough plastic such as nylon. Generally because of its strength and economy we prefer steel as the material 0 construction.

Positioned on the rings are spaced apart a plurality of wheels or rollers 23. These rollers or wheels are mounted on the rods 25 and 26 and are rotatable in different radial planes with respect to the center of the circular frame formed by rods 25 and 26 and forming a central opening. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the wheels 23 are so mounted on red 26 in such a way that they are in staggered arrangement in respect to wheels 23 mounted on rod 25. Spacers 20, 28 and 29 are employed to hold rods 25 and 26 apart. These spacers should be of a sufficient size (length) so as to permit the free rotation of the rollers 23 as a minimum size. As a general rule we prefer as a maximum size (length) for these spacers such that the rings are held at a distance of about equal to one to two times the diameter of the rollers 23. The length of the ring spacers 20, 28 and 29 can be longer than that if desired. As a rule, however, we employ the preferred range of size because if a size greater than two times the diameter of the roller is selected the cost of manufacturing the device is increased with no significant offsetting benefits. Spacer 20 is of sufiicient size that it may be used as a coupling for the ring ends and a housing for the connector 18 between the roller and the clamp. Specifically spacer 20 may comprise two smaller spacers, each of which is secured to the respective ends of the rods by set screws 21 or other suitable means. Spacer 20, the combination of the two smaller spacers bolted together may also be formed so as to provide a housing for the connector 18. In general, spacer 20 performs three functions; it is a spacer, a coupling, and a housing.

Connector 18 is generally a shock absorber made of hard rubber, or other suitable material adequate for the purpose the lower portion of which is enclosed by the housing and secured thereto by bolts 22 or other fastener which will hold the spacer-coupling combination together. Pressure exerted by the fastener 22 and an adhesive may also be employed in securing the connector 18 to the spacer 20. The upper end of the connector may be fastened to the clamp by an angle 16 and 17 bolt 19 combination, as shown in FIGURE or other suitable means. Suitable materials for the construction of these ring spacers are the same as for the rings.

There are many suitable materials for the construction of the wheels or rollers 23. These include wood, metals, alloys and plastics. Generally We prefer a plastic such as nylon or a polyethylene plastic because these types of plastics will rotate freely on the rod without the necessity of using a lubricant. As to the number of rollers or wheels 23 mounted on each ring that may vary from 2 to 20, preferably from 5 to 12. A larger number than 20 may be used but again the manufacturing costs are increased with no significant offsetting benefits conferred thereby. A preferred number of rollers on each ring is 8. Two rings of rollers possess a number of advantages as compared to a one ring device. Some of these advantages are as follows:

(1) Permits easier rolling of the hose.

(2) Permits sharper turns of the hose.

(3) There are at least three points of contact, generally five when the preferred number of wheels are employed.

(4) Permits the use of a smaller diameter roller or wheel.

When the second ring of rollers is staggered in respect to the rollers on the first ring the device is particularly effective when a corrugated hose is used.

The rollers 23 are held in spaced apart relationship by means of the spacers 24 and 27. These spacers are merely lengths of plastic tubing of such a size that they can be threaded over rods 25 and 26. Fiber, metal or rubber tubing could be used if desired. We prefer plastic tubing because it is strong, tough and pliable. The rollers 23 may be spaced apart at two different distances as illustrated or they may all be spaced at an equidistance from each other. We prefer to space them at two different distances as illustrated merely for convenience in manufacturing. By following our preferred procedure it is necessary to stock two lengths only of the spacers 24 and 27. The short spacers 24 are employed to hold the roller 23 a sufiicient distance from ring spacers 2t 28, and 29 to permit the full rotation of the roller.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modification of the clamp disclosed in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3. This modification increases the range of the clamp which is accomplished by employing a movable block 33 fitted with jaw teeth and which may be clamped over the jaw teeth on jaw in when desired. Link 32 and another corresponding link on the other side of the clamp permit the free movement of block 33.

In addition to the clamps illustrated in the attached drawings it is also contemplated that if desired a bracket and clamping screw as disclosed in US. Patent 2,816,734 issued to P. P. Crofoot and dated December 17, 1957, may be used. For that reason that disclosure is hereby made a part of this application.

In summation our hose roller is designed for ease in the movement of an elongated, hose-like structure through any opening where the passage of the hose might otherwise be difficult. It may be fastened easily and securely to any desired object and will lend passage to any elongated, hose-like object which is passed through it. It is designed so that the hose may be pulled easily straight through the roller or at any angle to the roller without causing damage to the hose or the roller. It is also designed so that it may withstand sudden shocks, extensive vibration, torque, and other destructive forces. It may be secured to any object of suitable material and structure after which the hose may be inserted and drawn through with a force much less than otherwise would be required to move the hose, thus lending ease to movement of the hose and also reducing greatly wear and tear on the hose.

As to its use the present guide or hose roller is useful for supporting a hose or the like around corners or over edges Without damage either to the hose or the woodwork. When insulating attics, the hose must be extended into windows and otherwise around corners, and by clamping one or more of the guides on rafters or joists, or other building structures, the hose can be kept off the windowsills and off the sharp edges of other structural parts, thus facilitating ease of handling of the hose for a single workman and for preventing damage to the hose or woodwork. The present guide is also useful for supporting such a hose out of contact with heating pipes, electric wiring and other easily damaged appurtenances.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims or the equivalent of such be employed.

We, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention:

1. A guide for an elongated member comprising: a plurality of spaced apart rollers mounted on a first ring, a plurality of spaced apart rollers mounted on a second ring, said rings mounted on a base section in such a manner that the planes of said rings are parallel and are at right angles to the planes of said rollers and wherein said second ring is mounted at a distance from said first ring that is sufficient to permit the free rotation of said rollers characterized further in that the rollers on said second ring are in staggered relationship to the rollers mounted on said first ring and clamping means attached to said base section for removable attachment to a support.

2. The guide of claim 1 wherein the number of rollers on each ring varies from 5 to 12.

3. The guide of claim 1 wherein the number of rollers on each ring is 8.

4. The guide of claim 1 wherein the second ring is mounted at a distance from said first ring that varies from just sufiicient to permit the free rotation of the rollers to a distance that is equal to two times the diameter of one of the rollers.

5. The guide of claim 1 wherein the second ring is mounted at a distance from said first ring that varies from just sufiicient to permit the free rotation of the rollers to a distance that is equal to the diameter of one of the rollers.

6. The guide of claim 1 wherein the rings and clamping means are constructed of a metal.

7. The guide of claim 1 wherein the clamping means is a quick acting clamp comprising: an elongated base having a fixed jaw at one end and a fixed standard at the other end, a movable jaw hingedly connected to said base at a point between said fixed jaw and said standard, a manually operable handle having a long arm and a short arm, said handle being fulcrumed to said standard at the junction of said arms and a link pivoted at one end to said short arm and at the opposite end to said movable jaw.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 248,061 Sharrett Oct. 1-1, 1881 1,067,748 Mitchell July 15, 1913 2,706,496 Bond Apr. 19, 1955 2,707,089 Jackson Apr. 26, 1955 2,816,734 Crafoot Dec. 17, 1957 

